Cabinets are a crucial component of every kitchen and serve as storage for various items such as utensils, dishware, small appliances, and more. By selecting suitable finishes and hardware, cabinets can bring a unique touch to an otherwise mundane area. Cabinets can be obtained in stock, semi-custom, and custom varieties, and are instrumental in determining the overall ambiance of your kitchen. However, transforming your kitchen into a space of your imagination is a slow and laborious process. Determining the materials and installation expenses are only two of the many influencing factors that will help you identify the cabinets that best complement your ideal kitchen.
What Are Custom Kitchen Cabinets?
Although semi-custom cabinets can be adjusted to suit your current kitchen layout, they simply cannot compare to the exceptional features of custom cabinet design. Custom cabinet makers use the actual dimensions of your kitchen and create a design that perfectly aligns with the overall space. All elements of the design are crafted to fit seamlessly into the walls and any obstacles within the kitchen, utilizing the expertise of a specialized cabinetry workshop.
Before anything is installed in your kitchen, measurements and photos are taken to start the process. An interior design expert who specializes in kitchen design will talk to you about your budget and overall requirements for your kitchen. This entails designing custom-made cabinets, countertops, islands, pantry spaces, and other features that will be installed according to a schedule.
Composition of Custom Cabinetry
When requesting a quote for a kitchen renovation, it’s not just the cabinets that are created from the ground up by the kitchen designer. Frequently, there are unique features that are included to customize each kitchen for obvious reasons. For instance, integrating new sinks and kitchen appliances, though not necessarily a component of the bespoke cabinet building process.
The style of the cabinet
The type of cabinet you select is crucial in determining the cabinet style, which is in turn related to the overall kitchen style. There is a wide array of options to choose from, ranging from modern to traditional, with farmhouse and contemporary being two other examples. It is vital to establish this style at the outset as it will impact your subsequent decisions when discussing customized designs.
Wood Type Utilized
The wood custom list will consistently incorporate diverse natural wood types sourced from various origins. Although solid wood is the priciest, it is possible to utilize more reasonably priced MDF and other wood composites for baseboard structures without displaying them on the cabinet’s surface. Moreover, custom cabinetry can produce more than just veneer or laminate-covered cabinets.
Only in semi-custom builds are several choices already made beforehand, which means they cannot be classified as custom cabinet builds.
Finishes, Stains, and Colors
When it comes to building a custom kitchen, there are numerous options for colors, stains, and finishes to achieve the desired aesthetic. Some custom cabinet makers offer the option of distressing and aging the solid wood to create an older appearance. Attention is given to the final step of the cabinet-making process- sealing the wood for long-lasting durability.
Different Kinds of Hinges and Handles
When discussing and planning cabinets, a crucial decision involves selecting the hardware that attaches to the cabinets, ensuring that the doors and cabinets open as necessary. While drawer slides, which are covert in nature, help drawers open seamlessly, decorative elements like hinges and pulls contribute to the refined surface detailing of your cabinets.
Cabinets that are attached to the wall
Wall cabinets are suspended above a countertop or on a wall to support the weight of items stored inside them. They are positioned to the side of larger appliances like ovens to ensure sufficient working space and avoid the risk of fire hazards. In certain cases, wall cabinets may be substituted with open shelving to eliminate the need for suspended cabinets.
Cabinets that sit on the floor and support the countertop are known as base cabinets
Base cabinets are designed to sit on the kitchen floor and provide support for built-in kitchen features, including countertops and sinks. These cabinets are commonly placed against walls in most kitchens and can be combined with backsplashes to enhance their appearance in accordance with the overall kitchen design. They are typically used for sliding and drawer storage and offer ample space for organizing a variety of large and small items.
Islands in the kitchen
Kitchen islands are a popular addition to new kitchens as they serve as a separate structure, complete with a decorative countertop and other functionalities catering to kitchen requirements. In addition, they can be designed with multiple drawers and cabinets underneath. Some homeowners may choose to incorporate other features such as a grill, flat oven range, or running water into the planning stage.
Rearranging the shelves
Shelving may not be as remarkable as cabinets, but it is utilized to fill in open spaces that might not be visually appealing. Custom-made shelving constructions can also be created to produce various designs and configurations for open shelves.
Additions that are solely for decorations
In order to achieve an exceptionally refined appearance, certain kitchens may opt for extravagant decorative features such as ornamental cornices and valances. Additionally, elaborate molding may be present along ceiling borders, as well as atop cabinets adorned with decorative crowns. All of these decorative flourishes are integral components of a kitchen design intended to emanate an air of sophisticated elegance.
Cost
In terms of kitchen design, custom cabinets and cabinetry are the most costly. The expenses involved vary from $500 to $1200 per linear foot depending on the wood type and the level of embellishment. While not all custom cabinets are exorbitant, the use of affordable alternatives can make the overall price more appealing, particularly if solid wood is not a top priority.
Exploring available alternatives and being open to making sacrifices can lead to various options. For example, opting for veneer-covered cabinets may be a more cost-effective choice if you are seeking high-quality hardwood at a lower cost. Conversely, investing in custom cabinets comes at a premium price due to the bespoke nature of the work involved.
Common Types of Cabinets
Outlined below are the three primary types of kitchen cabinets.
1. Cabinets that are made specifically for a client or customer.
You’ll appreciate the resilience and longevity of these cabinets that you can have uniquely designed to fit your kitchen’s unique corners, spaces, and curves. They offer boundless storage options and the potential for a luxurious appearance. Although a custom cabinet maker can deliver precisely what you desire, it comes at a premium price. The expense of custom-made materials can differ based on their caliber and accessibility, but labor costs associated with custom cabinets remain the highest.
2. Cabinets that are partially customizable.
Semi-custom cabinets allow for the inclusion of custom features or alterations to specific dimensions. Although customization options may be more restricted, this option is less expensive than fully custom cabinets. It is particularly suitable for cabinet refacing projects, where only the doors are replaced while the box and shelving remain unaltered.
3. Cabinets that are pre-made and kept in inventory are referred to as stock cabinets.
Pre-manufactured cabinets are standard in size and shape. They are considered the most cost-effective option, yet lacking in endurance. Usually constructed from particle board, pre-manufactured cabinets deteriorate over time. The supply expenses are only a few hundred dollars for each piece, but they may require replacing before pricier substitutes. Opting for pre-manufactured cabinets is ideal for temporary residences or locations susceptible to moisture and water damage, which may affect even premium cabinetry.
Common Kitchen Cabinet Designs and Styles
The common types of kitchen cabinets include base, wall or upper, tall, and specialized units tailored to fit unique spaces. Furthermore, there are various popular cabinet styles.
Shaker cabinets are a popular choice for kitchen remodels due to their clean lines and recessed-panel doors, which not only make them easy to clean, but also offer plenty of options for personalization. Their timeless design also ensures compatibility with a variety of materials, colors, and design styles.
Cabinets that are designed with a flat panel and no decorative elements on their surface are referred to as slab cabinets.
Another term for this cabinet design is flat or panel front cabinetry. It features doors made of a single board, without any frames, panels, or embellishments. These slab cabinets are perfect for achieving a minimalist look, but can be customized with distinctive paint hues or eye-catching handles.
Cabinets made of beadboard
With uniform beads and recessed lines, the vertical panels on beadboard cabinet doors are a great addition to achieve a traditional or cottage feel, as well as farmhouse style in your kitchen design. While the decorative slats on the cabinet fronts may not suit a minimalist home, their sleek design provides character to most kitchen styles. Beadboard cabinets create texture and come in several widths to choose from.
Cabinets with raised panels
The raised center panels on these conventional cabinets make the cabinet door’s three-dimensional shape suitable for any style of interior design. Raised panel cabinets blend effortlessly into any kitchen design and are simple to upkeep.
Versatility of Custom Cabinetry
The top 5 reasons for having a custom kitchen would be exceeded if one were to consider all the other reasons. When it comes to versatility, opinions vary, resulting in unique kitchens that cater to specific cooking and food preparation needs. Therefore, it’s highly likely that your needs differ from those of others. Nonetheless, there are reasons you might’ve overlooked:
- Built To Last
Handcrafted custom cabinets are unique and distinct from factory-built ones, ensuring their individuality. The key advantage of custom work is that top-notch quality is always a top priority.
- Better Selection Of Materials Used
Suppliers that specialize in high-quality lumber primarily provide the fine solid wood used for cabinetry rather than Home Depot. These lumberyards offer choice wood from various parts of the country. Similarly, the hardware, finishes, and stains used also come from premium providers.
- Showing Your Creativity
Unlike semi-custom cabinets, the cabinets with limited space cannot be further expanded upon in their existing arrangement. The design of the doors and shelves is entirely open to interpretation, resulting in countless possibilities. This is a rare opportunity to provide input on the cabinet design before its actual construction.
- The Fit Will Be Perfect For Your Kitchen
Custom cabinetry optimizes space utilization, ensuring that new designs fit flawlessly in your kitchen. The only limiting factor is the available space for adding cabinets, which means you can gain selective zones and areas for easier kitchen work without losing any valuable space.
- There Are Limitless Design Possibilities
The adage suggests that there are no limits to what you can achieve if you can envision it. Though limited by financial resources, custom kitchen designs can still provide several advantages in realizing the kitchen you’ve always envisioned.
Tips for Choosing Kitchen Cabinets
Price of the cabinet
The cost of installing cabinets is determined per linear foot, although the actual fees depend on several variables such as cabinet dimensions, materials used, workmanship, and design. The price of cabinets can also be affected by other factors including hardware, labor charges, the number of cabinets, molding, as well as removal and replacements. As stated by Home Guide, the typical expense of fitting kitchen cabinets ranges from $100 to $700 per linear foot for stock and semi-custom models respectively, whereas custom-made cabinets can cost as much as $1,200 per linear foot. Furthermore, the labor costs of cabinet installation range from $220 to $1,600 for each cabinet.
Materials used for cabinets
Popular materials for cabinets are hardwood, particleboard, multi-density fiberboard, wood veneer, and stainless steel. The usual doors and drawer fronts for cabinets are constructed with vinyl films, plywood, hardwood, or aluminum frames. Cost-efficient alternatives such as Thermofoil or laminate are also widely used.
The installation process and timeline for cabinets varies depending on the material selected, and the popularity of certain materials can cause delays in obtaining them. To ensure accurate measurements, it is crucial to measure the exact space where the cabinets will be placed. Additionally, it is recommended to order extra boxes as a precautionary measure, which can then be trimmed to the correct size.
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